In the Leinster SHC, Kilkenny stormed to a resounding 32-point victory over Antrim, scoring five goals for a dazzling start to their campaign. However, this impressive triumph wasn’t without its drawbacks for team manager Derek Lyng and the Kilkenny squad.
The Cats’ commanding win, in the glow of the Kilkenny city sun, was propelled by goals from TJ Reid and substitutes Owen Wall, Gearoid Dunne, and Billy Drennan. Despite a staggering tally of 20 wides overall, Antrim essentially admitted defeat before the break, with their manager Darren Glesson later conceding that his team “conceded very early in the contest.”
Looking ahead, Kilkenny faces a more formidable challenge next Sunday in Salthill, against Galway. There’s also worry about potentially significant players being absent. Following injuries, Eoin Murphy, Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen were all withdrawn from the game, with Cody’s ankle injury appearing the most serious. Lyng could only hope it’s not too grave.
However, they do have capable replacements waiting in the wings; with Wall’s speed, Dunne at U-20 level, and Drennan’s free-taking skills, who collectively scored 4-9 as replacements.
In the opening 16 minutes, Kilkenny only led by one but after an 18th-minute goal by Reid, the lead rapidly escalated. With Kilkenny leading 1-15 to 0-7 at half-time, they proceeded to score four more goals after the break. Wall, a local player, gave the 2,855 crowd spectators a thrilling spectacle with two beautiful solo goals.
During the match, Mullen was replaced by G Dunne (1-1) at the 15-minute mark, followed by A Tallis stepping in for E Murphy at half-time. At 39 minutes, O Wall (2-2) replaced Cody, while TJ Reid gave place to B Drennan (1-6, 1-0pen, two frees, one 65) at 45 minutes. B Ryan then replaced Phelan at 54 minutes and T Walsh subbed in for Butler at 62 minutes.
For Antrim, the line-up included R Elliott, P Burke, R McGarry, P Duffin, S Walsh, E Campbell (0-1), C Bohill (0-1), J McNaughton (0-2), N O’Connor, M Bradley, N Elliott (0-1), N McKenna, C Cunning (0-7, seven frees), C McCann (0-1), and S Elliott.
The substitutions saw T Smyth replace McKenna after 21 minutes while R Elliott was swapped for McKenna at the 33-minute mark. J McLaughlin came in for Bradley at half-time, followed by R McCloskey for Walsh at 58 minutes, and C Boyd took McKenna’s place at the 60-minute mark.
The referee, S Hynes came from Galway.